UFC 155 goes down this Saturday at the Mandalay Bay Events Centre in Las Vegas, Nevada. The featherweight world title is up for grabs. Challenger Frankie Edgar drops down a weight class to take on Champion Jose Aldo. Another big match up on the card include the co-main event in which Rashad Evans faces Antonio Rogerio Nogueira. UFC 155 also sees the return of Alistair Overeem, as he faces Antonio Silva in a heavyweight clash that could have world title implications. An interesting match up between jiu jitsu wizard Demian Maia, against the re-surging Jon Fitch in a welter weight showdown is also taking place.
Jose Aldo vs Frankie Edgar
Franke Edgar drops down to his natural weight class for the first time in his career, after achieving a great amount of success in the lightweight division. I wouldn't expect Frankie to show any ill effects after making the weight cut, perhaps he will be even faster if thats possible. How will Jose Also handle the speed of Edgar? That is going to be the deciding factor in the fight. Even though Frankie is dropping down a weight class, he is still the smaller athlete. Jose Aldo is a beast, and has a huge advantage when it comes to power. I would expect Jose to be able to get back to his feet after Edgar scores a quick takedown, which will most likely happen early and often. Can Frankie use his speed and boxing skills to out strike the champ. Jose Aldos leg kicks could be the deciding factor for an Aldo victory. Landing a couple of low kicks every round should slow down the challenger and see the title remain in the Brazilians hands.
Rashad Evans vs Antonio Rogerio Nogueira
The former champ Rashad Evans is back in action after his failed bid to reclaim his title. He has a tough opponent in Rogerio Nogueira who is a name that is always mentioned as a top contender, but always seems to never get right to the top. The winner of this bout doesn't secure a title shot by any means, but could potential be only one more big win away from such a shot. Rashad is the more explosive athlete out of the two, and has a big advantage in the wrestling department. Who is the better striker? I think Rashad will be able to out strike little Nog, while mixing in his wrestling skills to get the decision. I cant see Nogueira getting anything going off of his back, and his solid boxing skills will not be enough on the feet to handle Rashad.
Alistair Overeem vs Antonio Silva
The Reem makes his glorious return after a drug suspension and faces a dangerous opponent in Antonio Silva. The winner is probably in line for a title shot later in the year, if all the star aline for them. Both fighters are big powerful men with KO power. Alistair, has the better striking technique as far as over stand up skills are concerned, and Big Foot has the better submission skills. If the stays on the feet, which it probably will then Alistair has a very good chance of knocking out Big Foot. Overeems chin hasnt really been tested since he moved up to heavyweight and has been knocked out 6 times as a light heavyweight. Silva could be the guy to test it with his big hands if the fight gets sloppy. I see the Reem taking this one and getting a shot at Cain later in the year.
Jon Fitch vs Demian Maia
A very interesting welterweight match between Jon Fitch and Demian Maia takes place on the main card. Demian Maia, may have the best jiu jitsu in all of mma and hasn't missed a step since dropping to welterweight. Jon Fitch wins fights by grinding down his opponents, and wearing them down. Most likely Fitch will get the fight to mat, and control the fight, while doing just enough damage to not get stood up. Can Maia, get his jiu jitsu going against a Fitch who is a black belt himself? Its possible, as Fitch regularly finds himself in deep submissions, but always seems to find a way out and then win the fight. This fight could end up being fight of the night between two highly skilled grapplers. Im hopping for a Maia submission win, but Fitch usually finds a way to win fights.
A special shout out to Kimuarwear team member Dustin Kimura who is making his UFC debut. The sky is the limit for his youngster and we will be rooting for him to come with the victory!
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